Hi all! Tonight’s post is a bit of a mish-mash of what’s been going on and what’s coming up, so please bear with me.

I had a great time at the Webster Groves High School All-Write event on Thursday. The kids were incredibly engaged. They asked thoughtful questions and I was amazed at the number who asked about historical fiction: how to pick a topic, what kind of research it takes, the writing processes etc. It really gives me hope for the future writers of this wonderfully rich genre.

It doesn’t appear that He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not finaled in the most recent contest to be announced. Finalists were supposed to be notified yesterday and I haven’t heard anything. Oh well, can’t win them all. Congratulations to all who did final! (Many more contest results to come over the next few months.)

I am leaving for vacation on Thursday and already have vacation brain. I’m going to Sedona, Arizona, to see my favorite musician, Wrongchilde (aka, Mat Devine, frontman of Kill Hannah), perform at a winery. But more than that, I’m going because I need time off. I haven’t stopped writing in about two and a half years. I need time to get away and think. Sedona is supposed to be a very spiritual place, so I’m looking forward to seeing what messages the Divine has for me.

Speaking of the Divine, I’m reading this incredible novel called A Map of Heaven by Suzanne Elizabeth Anderson. It’s about a 34-year-old woman who finds out she only has two weeks to live because of an inoperable brain tumor. But it’s not a depressing book; it’s actually very uplifting, and the questions she asks very closely mirror ones I’m asking about my own life (so much so, it’s creepy). I’ll do a full review once I’ve finished it, but it’s made such an impact on me I had to mention it.

I’m halfway through my short story for the RWA anthology. Not sure if I’ll get it done in time to submit by March 12, but I really want to, especially since it’s in honor of my grandfather (even though it’s not his actual story).

Still waiting to get edits back on my current historical fiction book. Once I do, I’ll tell you more about it.

Characters are appearing in my head for my next book all the time. I can tell you this: It’s set during WWII in France. There are two main characters, one who is historical and the other I’m making up but placing in semi-historical circumstances. Of the minor characters, a few are just names, but one is quite clear, thanks to me finding the actress who would play her. It’s going to be interesting doing something totally different for this book.

I am obsessed with Orphan Black. If you haven’t watched it, remedy that immediately! I watched the first season free with Amazon Prime and immediately got the second from the library. The third season starts April 18 on BBC America. I don’t have cable, but if Amazon offers it, I’m willing to pay for each episode. The writing is so intricate – I stand in awe of the writers, really. And the acting! Tatiana Maslany is amazing. She plays several different characters and I keep thinking they are all individual people! And in case you’re wondering, I’m team Cosima. (And Felix!)

March is Women’s History Month. I wish I would have known that ahead of time so I could have arranged a series of posts. Maybe I’ll still come up with something. You never know.

Come back here on Thursday to see the cover reveal for Age of Blood by my friend, Shauna Granger.